Tens of thousands of residents and holidaymakers have been forced to flee southwestern France as massive wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde and Landes regions, while neighbouring Spain has declared a national emergency over multiple out-of-control blazes near Madrid.
French authorities ordered the complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a popular tourist destination west of Bordeaux, after fast-moving flames threatened communities across the area.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 40,000 people had either been evacuated or were in the process of leaving the peninsula. Hundreds were ferried to safety by boat across Arcachon Bay, while others escaped by road.
The wildfire, described by local officials as an “XXL fire,” has burned more than 10,000 hectares of land since it broke out on Tuesday. Authorities said at least 53 homes and a campsite have been destroyed, although firefighters successfully protected around 2,000 houses.
Further south in France’s Landes region, another major wildfire near Biscarrosse forced the evacuation of more than 23,000 people, including residents of campsites, a nursing home and a summer camp. Officials warned the blaze remained far from being contained as strong winds and temperatures approaching 37°C continued to fuel the fire.
The fires have already claimed the lives of two firefighters, who died earlier this week while battling flames near Bordeaux Airport.
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French President Emmanuel Macron described the country’s wildfire situation as “very tense,” particularly in the Gironde region, as emergency crews continued to battle multiple blazes.
The European Union has deployed additional firefighting aircraft and helicopters to support operations in both France and Spain.
Meanwhile, Spain declared a national emergency after several wildfires erupted west of Madrid, affecting communities including Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Burgohondo.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as “dramatic,” saying the fires were ravaging thousands of hectares of land and affecting numerous communities. More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas.
Emergency officials said several fires remained out of control despite efforts to slow their spread.
